Fans Excited For Mets Opening Day At Citi Field
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Mets fans at Monday's Opening Day against the Atlanta Braves were full of optimism for this season.
For fans and players alike, Opening Day marks a new start and a chance to forget a season cut short.
PHOTOS: Opening Day At Citi Field
"We're going all the way," fan Johnny Pena told 1010 WINS' John Montone. "World Series, baby!"
"I feel pretty good this year," said fan Danny O'Boyle. "Definitely playoffs. I don't see why not World Series."
The Mets did not disappoint, scoring six runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to win 6-0.
"You cannot do anything but get excited," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "I mean, the noise, the energy. They (Mets fans) are knowledgeable. They know the players. This is a great place and a great atmosphere today, and it's a great way to kick the season off."
CBS2's Steve Overmyer spent the day walking around and getting a true fan experience, including with the 7 Line Army in center field.
When asked what it takes to become a member of the 7 Line Army, one fan said: "Be a passionate Met fan. Showing up with a lot of energy and cheering your face off."
"It's a really big community," another fan said. "It's one thing to be a Mets fan, but it's another thing to be a fan that loves this style of cheering."
"Our goal since the first day of spring training is to try and go to the playoffs and win the playoffs and go to the World Series," infielder Jose Reyes said before the game.
Outfielder Curtis Granderson said the excitement level is always elevated on Opening Day.
"The first at-bat, the first ball that's finally hit to me in the outfield. The most exciting thing for me is the flyover. That's the one thing that I always look forward to," Granderson said.
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New York is coming off its second consecutive playoff appearance, which ended quickly with a 3-0 loss to Madison Bumgarner and the San Francisco Giants in the National League wild-card game in October.
With slugger Yoenis Cespedes and almost the entire team back following an injury-riddled season, expectations could not be much higher for the Mets.
"To lose three starting pitchers to surgery is tough, but we made it through," manager Terry Collins said. "Now those guys are back"
It might have been the last home opener in New York for several key players, too: Curtis Granderson, Lucas Duda, Neil Walker, Reyes and Jay Bruce are among those entering the final year of their contracts -- not to mention 67-year-old Collins, who has indicated he might retire after this season.
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Though star Steven Matz will remain on the disabled list with an injured elbow, many agree this year the Amazins could return the commissioner's trophy to Citi Field.
Former Mets center fielder Mookie Wilson wants another ticker-tape parade.
"It's been over 30 years since our last championship. Now we have a club that has an opportunity and a chance to legit win. They have reason to be excited," he said. "I'm excited, too!"
Opening Day starter Noah Syndergaard, lovingly known as "Thor," received some of the largest cheers as the team was introduced Monday afternoon.
"I'm just fortunate enough to lead us off, and hopefully set the tone for the rest of the season," Syndergaard said before the game.
While the future of the season looks bright, fans know it's best not to jinx anything.
"You don't want to talk about it because you're a Mets fan," one fan said.
Two familiar faces are unavailable for the opener and beyond.
Mets captain David Wright begins the season on the disabled list following neck surgery last June, and All-Star closer Jeurys Familia will sit out the first 15 games after accepting a suspension under Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
